Chapter 57: A Beach Escape and a Glimmer of Hope
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
On a sunny Sunday, Traci drives Whelan to a secluded spot called Secret Beach, bypassing a NO TRESPASSING sign. She reveals that Ric Eddings called to explain how he intends to screw her over regarding her father-in-law’s will. Traci has already contacted family lawyer Andy Plankenhorn, who promised to check the new will and get back to her. Whelan comforts her, and they kiss for the first time. Traci worries about the employee handbook’s ban on supervisor-subordinate relationships, but Whelan points out they are off Saint property. They swim, share a picnic lunch, and Traci feels genuinely happy despite her professional crisis. Her phone rings; it’s Plankenhorn, who says he has good news and is driving to her house with someone. They pack up and leave.
Key Events
- Traci and Whelan drive a golf cart past a NO TRESPASSING sign to Secret Beach, a spot with dangerous currents that is usually empty.
- Whelan sets up a pink-and-white umbrella and loungers; they apply sunscreen and share water.
- Traci explains that Ric Eddings told her how he plans to use the old will against her.
- She has contacted lawyer Andy Plankenhorn, who is reviewing the new will and will call back.
- Whelan kisses Traci; she initially resists citing company policy, but he argues they are on Bonaventure County property.
- They swim in the ocean, kiss again, and enjoy a picnic of turkey-and-fig-jam and chicken sandwiches, wine, and brownies.
- Traci receives a call from Plankenhorn, who says he has good news and is on his way with another person.
- They quickly pack up the picnic supplies and leave for Traci’s house.
Character Development
- Traci Eddings: Shows vulnerability when she admits her professional life is cratering and she might lose the hotel. Yet she allows herself a moment of happiness with Whelan, revealing a capacity for joy despite stress. Her guilt about the employee handbook shows her conscientious and rule-following nature.
- Whelan (first name not given): Demonstrates perceptiveness (he knows Traci is stalling), playfulness, and sensitivity. He memorized the employee handbook policy to reassure her, and he gently persuades her to set aside worry. His support is both emotional and practical.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Escapism vs. reality: Secret Beach offers a physical and emotional refuge from Traci’s troubles, but the phone call from her lawyer pulls her back to real-world problems.
- Forbidden romance: The ongoing tension between personal attraction and workplace rules highlights power dynamics and the risk Traci takes as a supervisor.
- The sea as renewal: Traci’s first ocean swim in years symbolizes her reawakening—both in romance and in fighting for her hotel.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the romantic plot, establishing a physical and emotional bond between Traci and Whelan. It also introduces a turning point in the legal conflict: the arrival of Andy Plankenhorn with “good news” and an unnamed companion promises a shift in the battle over the will. The chapter balances personal relief with professional stakes, deepening the novel’s tension.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Traci initially resist kissing Whelan?
She cites the employee handbook, which forbids romantic relationships between supervisors and subordinates on company property. She worries about losing her job if they are caught.
2. What does the setting of Secret Beach symbolize?
Secret Beach represents a space outside the rules and surveillance of the Saint. It is both a literal place of escape and a metaphor for the private, unguarded connection Traci allows herself.
3. How does Whelan’s knowledge of the handbook demonstrate his character?
He memorized the policy to prove he is serious about respecting boundaries while finding a loophole. It shows his attentiveness, sense of humor, and willingness to protect Traci’s interests.